Foundation Degree Supporting Learning in Education

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Study Mode: Part-time Course Level: 4/5

Delivered in partnership with The University of Wolverhampton*

If you currently work as a member of support staff in a primary school, secondary school or college, the Foundation Degree will give you a progression route to qualified teacher status (QTS).

The course will help you to develop a more indepth understanding of the theories of children and young persons development by looking at current research in the field and give you the opportunity to develop your skills by extending your understanding and knowledge of new developments and services in the sector.

The course provides an understanding of childhood incorporating all aspects of development of children and young people from birth to 19 years, as well as current legislation which affects young children and their family. This will enable you to evaluate and develop appropriate support approaches and reflective thinking when working in the sector.

Throughout the course there is an emphasis on the development of practical, personal and professional attributes and includes developing a knowledge of supporting teaching and learning in education.

Successful completion of the Foundation Degree will enable you to progress to a BA(Hons) Special Needs and Inclusion Studies at the University of Wolverhampton.

You will have access to electronic copies of all lecturer-produced course documents e.g. module guides, assessment briefs, presentations, handouts, and reading lists and resources will be made available through the University of Wolverhampton's online learning environment (CANVAS) and a range of teaching webfolios via PebblePad ePortfolio.

You will also benefit from a range of online formative assessments, including small group learning sets, and will be able to access e-portfolio whole group and individual blogs where you will be able to access assessment feedback and collaborate with others in your learning cohort.

You will also have access to a range of student-generated resources including videos of debates, seminars and presentations and video clips of students reflecting on critical incidents, as well as engaging in interactive learning during all face-to-face sessions, with the use of video analysis, multi-media resources and web materials.

We have a high success rate on this course and excellent feedback from our past students, many of whom have gone on to become teachers or higher level teaching assistants.

NOTE: You will have the opportunity to apply for 40 credits RPL (recognition of prior learning) at Level 4.

*APPLY NOW - applications for this course should be made directly to the University of Wolverhampton via this link: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/courses/fd-arts-supporting-learning/

To access this course you are required to:

Be employed or have one-to-two years' post-qualifying experience working with children and families or be in a long-term voluntary placement in a primary school, secondary school or college setting
Hold a Level 3 qualification in a related subject - eg NVQ Level 3, Diploma in Childcare and Education, T-Level in Early Years and Education, BTEC National Diploma, NNEB Diploma or Level 3 Diploma Teaching Assistant
Usually be over 21 years of age
You will also be required to have a satisfactory DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check
We also offer the opportunity to accredit prior certificated learning at Level 4 through the APL system.

During this course you will study the following modules:

Reflective practitioner
Promoting inclusive practice
Children and young persons development
Safeguarding
Exploring Autisim
Supporting teaching and learning with Teaching and learning in Education settings
Developing critical reflection and practice
Enabling learning
Exclusion from school and social justice
Research methods

By studying this course you will:

Build on your professional experiences, linking them to theory
Gain an understanding of educational settings, considering how you can meet and address the challenges of inclusive education
Reflect on your professional development in a positive way as members of a diverse global society
Feel confident in challenging assumptions and responding to different views in an enterprising way
Adopt collaborative ways of working with parents and other professionals
Consider a range of issues and perspectives surrounding working with vulnerable groups
Study current policies, procedures and practice, relating these to your workplace experiences
Develop and consolidate a range of employability skills, including sharing information, working with and in groups, presenting information, digital literacy and critical thinking skills

Throughout the course you will be assessed in the following ways:

Practical, written and online assessments
Written assignments
In-class tests
Presentations
Viva Voce (verbal exam)

Successful completion of the course will enable you to:

Progress to a BA (Hons) Special Needs and Inclusion Studies at the University of Wolverhampton
Pursue a career in primary, secondary or post 16 education in a number of roles including teaching, social work, health education or educational welfare officer